Newbie question - slow leak from 1st stage

[oreocookie]

I'm in the process of doing my OW class (should be certified in 2 weeks, yay) so forgive me or cut me a little slack, whichever you prefer, if you think this is a dumb question.

In two of our pool sessions, a reg, possibly the same one, has had a slow steady leak from the first stage. I didn't notice it at the time, but overheard the instructor telling the student using it that the leak was there on purpose and that he doesn't like students in OW classes using that reg as they tend to find it a bit disconcerting. In our most recent session, my friend had a similar reg (if it wasn't the same one), which hissed when we were standing at the surface. There was mention at some point about an o-ring (that maybe had seen better days?), but I'm wondering: was this just a reg that needed service or are there 1st stages that are designed to have a small leak? If so, is this common and what's the point of it?

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Some Sherwood models have a Tiny stream of bubbles coming out of the 1st stage and this is normal.

Good Question. Enjoy your Class.

 

[tstormdiver]

Yes, it is quite normal for Sherwood 1st stage regulators to leak a small stream of bubbles. It's part of their technology to keep the 1st stage pressure a bit above the ambient pressure of the water. If it's a Sherwood it's supposed to do that.

 

[oreocookie]

Thanks guys. You've given me a bit of piece of mind should that reg make it's next appearance on my tank.

 

[herman]

Funny thing is, a Sherwood actually needs servicing if it is NOT "leaking". It's pretty easy to tell if a Sherwood is leaking and in the correct place. If you look amoung the ports, one will have either a rubber plug or a screw plug with a rubber washer looking ring around it. A small stream of bubbles should be coming out of that area. Sherwoods are the only regs I am aware of that do this. Air leaks from any place else or from any other brand of reg needs to be repaired.

 

[Isaac-1]

I just wanted to note that even it is a leak that should not be there, it may or may not be a cause for conern depending on where the leak is coming from.

 

[deerhunter1911a1]

wow, that surprises me. i never ever thought any company would make their reg leak on purpose...im still kind of a heavy breather, so want all the air in the tank for myself, lol